Rule change could benefit Scots
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A RULE change ahead of this weekend’s shinty/hurling international in Inverness may enhance Scotland’s chances of securing their first series victory since 2008.
Drew McNeil’s Scotland squad face John Meyler’s Irish hurling outfit at Bught Park on Saturday in the crucial first leg of the annual two-game series.
Despite live BBC 2 coverage, a large crowd is expected in the Highland Capital for the Marine Harvest cross-codes clash and a historic rule switch could help sway things in Scotland’s favour.
Normally a goal in open play is worth three points and, with shinty players more suited to ground play, their instinct is to go for goals more often than efforts over the uprights.
Ireland’s hurlers, on the other hand, are more naturally inclined to shoot from distance over the posts, amassing single points.
Now, in a bid to promote more goals in the hybrid rules fixture, the authorities in Ireland and Scotland have agreed to hike up the points awarded for a goal to five.
Forward Shaun Nicolson, starring in the Scottish team for the fifth year, believes, that the change could be of benefit the dark blues.
"I think it could give us an advantage," said the Lochaber player. "We should be getting more goals than Ireland but, in saying that, it is a very strong Irish team this year.
"There are a lot of big names in their side and it will be very competitive, although you want to play against the best.
"Last year in Inverness, we were on top of them, but once they got into a rhythm, they were very difficult to stop. They can be quite a force and we have to work out how to stop them this time.
"The boys are really committed, though. We train so much just for these two matches and it would be great to get a series win.
"In 2010, we won at Croke Park in Dublin, which was a great result, but then threw it away here. Hopefully, we won’t do that this time."
Scotland manager Drew McNeil has welcomed the rule change but, with Ireland’s squad arriving in Inverness, he knows their manager has picked players to suit this alteration to the points scoring.
Elite tier one hurlers like Tommy Walsh, Shane Dooley, Patrick Meher and Patrick Horgan have been drafted into an already experienced green and white line-up.
"There is no doubt in my mind that the side Ireland have selected reflects the rule change," said McNeil.
"The have basically picked the core of the 2010 side that scored seven goals against us and I don’t think there is any accident in that.
"They too will benefit from the change, just as we will. Make no mistake about it, this is a strong Irish side with a lot of experience.
"Personally, I don’t mind that. I think it will make for a really compelling two matches, starting with the first leg in Inverness on Saturday.
"We can’t wait to get started now. We need to have the courage to play our own game."
With the smallest of margins between the two countries in recent years, the 2012 series is set to command major attention on both sides of the Irish Sea.
For the return leg in Ennis, County Clare, on Saturday 27th October, the hosts have organised a week-long cultural festival to coincide with the fixture.
The Ennis International Hurling/Shinty Festival comprises the senior and under-21 internationals, the women’s camogie challenge, as well as a festival concert and grand parade.
THE Marine Harvest Shinty/Hurling International between Scotland and Ireland will take place at Bught Park, Inverness, on Saturday with a throw in time of 1.15pm.
Tickets are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions. Children under the age of 12 get in for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
In the build-up to the international match, the Marine Harvest London Shield final between Kinlochshiel and Lochaber is scheduled to start at 11am.
On the day, there will also be a selection of local food and drink available, as well as live music. For more information contact the Camanachd Association on (01463) 715931, or visit www.shinty.com.
